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Park Wavelengths - Wednesday, January 6, 2016

January 06, 2016Posted by: Loretta Farley

Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Last of the winter sparklers is the Quadrantid meteor shower (the next shower will be the Lyrids in April). They radiate from [near] the constellation Bootes (the herdsman) [located] in the eastern sky [after midnight]. Approximately 40 per hour were visible on the morning of January 4.

Tolay, the wayward northern elephant seal gave birth to a pup over the holiday weekend. She sports a snappy pink and orange tag on her back flipper which can be spotted with binoculars. Tolay takes her name from the tidal channel where she attempted to come ashore which in turn takes its name from Tolay Lake. Spanish priests recorded the name Tolay [as that of] a local "chief of the Indians."

Whale watching is also in full swing, with sightings of seven to eight per hour on clear days over last weekend.

Local children from San Geronimo and Dance Palace summer camp, as well as Bolinas School students, collected plastic debris on Drakes Beach and their artwork is on display inside the Kenneth C. Patrick Visitor Center, which is open on weekends during the shuttle season [on days on which the park operates the Winter Shuttle Bus System]. The project was sponsored by the Marin MPA Watch.

Mailing Address:

1 Bear Valley Road
Point Reyes Station, CA94956

Phone:

(415) 464-5100This number will initially be answered by an automated attendant, from which one can opt to access a name directory, listen to recorded information about the park (i.e., directions to the park; visitor center hours of operation; weather forecast; fire danger information; shuttle bus system status; wildlife updates; ranger-led programs; seasonal events; etc.), or speak with a ranger. Please note that if you are calling between 4:30 pm and 10 am, park staff may not be available to answer your call.